"American kids are free"

Hola chicos!

I just wanted to give you a little taste of Senegalese school. I have not started teaching yet (still learning about the education system) but I did get to observe my first few classes. So far I have learned:

• It is rare to find an inclusive special education classroom. However, I got to observe one elementary school that allowed special education students in a regular-ed classroom. This was a private school and very expensive for families. It reminded me how lucky we are to have such support for students with special needs.

• THE STUDENTS ARE AWESOME (just like you guys!!) The students I visited were welcoming and kind, spunky and enthusiastic. They reminded me a lot of my wonderful students at CIS, CMS, and CHS and made me miss you all. I wish I could have brought you all in my suitcase!

• Many teachers are on a union strike because they want to be paid the same as other civil workers. My guiding teachers still came to school to show us the few classrooms that were still running. They said sometimes they participate in the strike when they really need to make a change. The students don't know when the teachers are going to go on strike, so they come to school anyway and leave if none of their teachers are there. Some students stay at the school all day anyway just to go to the one class that still has a teacher. They really want to learn!

• The Portuguese Club rocks, AND I WANT TO DO THIS IN SPANISH!! One of the clubs that was still running even without their teacher present was the Portuguese club. The students were singing songs in Portuguese and taught us a few dances (see video above.) The students said that their Portuguese teacher was like their Mom, a sister, and teacher all in one. They said she motivated them to want to learn Portuguese and started the club to get them even more excited. This makes me want to create a Spanish club at CIS (and maybe CMS?) I would love my kiddos to be as excited about Spanish as these kids were about Portuguese. What do you guys think??

• Below is a song that one of the awesome student panel and Portuguese club members WROTE and sang. Isn't it amazing?! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzcKGlu13ho

• "American kids are free" This was a quote from one of the student panels about what they think about American peers. This student said that she thinks "American kids are beautiful, motivated. When they want to do something they do it. They are not afraid to make mistakes." I loved this because it is so true. I love these very things about my students.

• "I am really afraid that we are not welcome in your country now"- This was another quote from the student panel that really struck me. She explained that in the news it seems like many Americans do not like Africans or want to exchange knowledge or experiences with them. This was super sad to me as these are some of the most awesome students I have ever met. Anyone from the USA or world would learn so many great things from these wonderful students. I assured these students that they are welcome in my home and that many of my students would love to make connections with them. I hope that one day I can host one of these students so that you can meet them. I really think making these kind of connections and learning from each other can change your life and make the world a better and more caring, peaceful place.

• Teachers are placed in schools around the country when they get out of college. They do not get to pick where they teach. When you graduate, you may and probably will have to move hours away from your family and everyone you know to teach where they place you. You can be from a big city and be sent to a tiny village where people don't even speak your mother tongue and vice versa. TEACHERS TEACH BECAUSE THEY LOVE THE JOB. They are willing to go through all of this just to follow their passion. Honestly, as much as I love teaching I am not sure I would be willing to leave my family and be placed in any random school in the USA. Teaching is considered "civil service" just like the military. I am in constant awe of what these people give up and do every single day to make a difference in students' lives.

For those of you that want to be teachers one day, would you be willing to leave your family and friends and be placed anywhere in the country? What do you think of the Senegalese students' quotes? Is there anything that you want me to tell them? Comment below.

Adios for now!

Senora Traub